This hot topic was discussed at the latest seminar hosted by ebm-papst, Europe’s leading manufacturer of high efficiency fan and motor technology.  It runs a programme of free to attend seminars, which aim to educate different sectors on energy saving. The most recent seminar focused on the energy savings that can be made in the hospitality sector.

The seminar analysed the pros and cons of solar panels, sometimes referred to in the industry as ‘building bling’, and compared the energy savings that can be made from solar against other types of more efficient technology.

Martin Evans, Director at Malthouse Consultancy, said: “Businesses should not get distracted by ‘trendy’ ideas.  The reality is that solar panels used in the hotel industry only contribute 1% of energy, if you’re lucky.”

In contrast, ebm-papst has been a pacesetter for the less visible but ultra-efficient EC fan technology that can reap energy savings of up to 66%, a huge saving compared with the 1% by solar panels.

This is particularly relevant with regard to hotels as research conducted by the Carbon Trust reveals that hotels have the highest cooling and ventilation CO₂emissions for the whole of the hospitality sector – with over 30% of total emissions, more than double that of other sectors.

According to the research, the second highest source of carbon emissions for hotels comes from heating, which accounts for more than 20%. A retrofit upgrade from AC to EC technology in heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment can pay dividends for the hospitality sector.  On top of 66% energy savings, additional savings can be made by utilising the EC fans’ built in control functionality,enabling fans to work at a very low level while rooms are not occupied.

Robert Harness, ebm-papst Business Development Manager said: “In order to make essential energy savings, the hospitality sector needs to review the equipment that is producing the highest carbon emissions.  Not only will upgrading from AC to EC fan technology achieve energy savings, businesses will also see a return on their investment within two years.”

The European Union’s ErP Directive was also discussed. The Directive sets out minimum efficiency levels for all energy using products, with the aim of improving their environmental performance. The new ErP regulations for fans come into force on the 1^st January 2013. The ErP regulations are seen as a major tool in the attempt to meet the government’s targets of reducing the country’s CO₂ emissions by at least 20% by 2020. In order for businesses to meet their energy efficiency targets they must focus on the important issues and major opportunities available to them.

Robert continued: “The first implementation stage of the ErP Directive is fast-approaching and the hospitality sector is keen to highlight its green credentials.  By installing solar panels, the sector may feel that it is making its green motives known and visible, however, reviewing the internal workings of the buildings will result in much larger energy savings in the long-term.”

If you would like to find out more about ebm-papst’s Client Centre, which is free to use, you can visit the website www.ebmpapst-ec.co.uk/about-client-centre.php

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Tags: Design & Facilities Management, Power & Cooling

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